Jamaica suspect 'shot dead'

ITV News understands that one of the suspects in the shooting of schoolgirl Imani Green in Jamaica has himself been shot and killed. Eight people have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting.

Anne Wilson, headteacher at Fircroft Primary School, said Imani Green, who suffered from sickle cell anaemia, "coped very well" with her condition which forced her to stay indoors at play time to avoid getting cold.

The school had granted her permission to spend time in Jamaica because the warmth was known to be better for health.

Mrs Wilson told Sky News:

We felt it was in Imani's best interest to be there rather than here at this time. Today and for the next few days and weeks it's going to be difficult for them but we're here to support them.

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Jamaica's security minister, Peter Bunting, has condemned the killing of 8-year old British girl Imani Green.

He told the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper: "The senseless killing of a young, innocent child must outrage all well-thinking Jamaicans, and cause us to join our security forces in an intensified effort to rid our communities of criminals."

Anne Wilson, head teacher of Fircroft Primary School in Tooting, has paid tribute to pupil Imani Green, who was shot dead in Jamaica during a family visit to the country.

She said: "The entire Fircroft School community is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the death of our pupil Imani Green. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family to whom we pledge our continuing love and support.

Imani Green, 8, was shot dead in the town of Duncans in Trelawny, northern Jamaica. Credit: Family handout

“Imani was a happy, playful child who was popular with staff and pupils alike. She suffered from sickle cell anaemia and we had to take great care to protect her from the cold, which could adversely and dramatically worsen her condition.

"She dealt with her illness very bravely and coped well with the special arrangements we had to have in place to support her.

"She had been given special permission to travel to Jamaica so that she could benefit from the warmer climate and we had been in contact with the local primary school she was attending whilst there to make sure she was receiving an appropriate education.

“We are now in the process of contacting all the families of children in the same year group to break this terrible news to them and we will be taking steps to offer support and counselling to all those children and staff who are affected by this terrible tragedy.”